Artist turns his inspirations into graphic Logo'

Most artists are known for one or two of their pieces and therefore have an established image attached to their names.

Local artist, Jef Bourgeau, born in Detroit and now living in Rochester, did that very thing, creating a series of stark images displayed in a new exhibit called “Art as Logo.”

Bourgeau created the exhibit displaying a works of art representing different contemporary artists, including Yves Klein, Donald Judd, Jim Dine and several others.

“He believes branding is important in the reputation in the artists and selling their artwork,” said Ben Kiehl, director of Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham.

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All of the pieces in this collection were created in the 1990s, and Bourgeau said they have not been exhibited since 1993.

Bourgeau’s work is found in a dimly lit section of the back of the gallery, his black and white images, paintings and sculptures referencing specific artists and their work. He said it’s all about putting a brand, or logo, on an artist.

“There is branding for everything,” Bourgeau said.

As his thought process behind the exhibit, he said there is an idea that artists are recognized for having a specific style, that artists are in boxes and if broken out of the box, the artist is “lost to the winds.”

“What I appreciate about Jef’s work is his ability to reference art history in a way that’s direct but still has an original nature to it,” Kiehl said.

Some of the pieces of the exhibit are sculptures that Bourgeau has put together through antique shopping, while other works are pieces of paper taped together and painted on, adding texture.

“He has his own way of referencing culture, especially fine-art culture, while still having a fresh approach,” Kiehl said.

FYI: The Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham is exhibiting “Art as Logo” by artist Jef Bourgeau from Oct. 12 through Nov. 16. This is the first time the collection will be viewed in public since 1993. The gallery is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit the Robert Kidd Gallery at www.robertkiddgallery.com.